Hurricane Frequently Asked Questions

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If I find my car and it is submerged in water, what should I do?

Leave the car where it is. Never attempt to start a car that's been submerged in water - you will cause further damage. When possible, call us to report your claim online and a claims representative will begin working on your claim right away. Provide your claims representative with as much information as possible about the water level and he can evaluate the damage and the feasibility and cost of repairing the car based on the type of water, how high the water was on the vehicle and other considerations.

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I took one vehicle when I evacuated and left another in a storm-affected area, but I don't know where that car is or its condition. What should I do?

The first thing you should do if you suspect a vehicle on your policy is damaged is to report your claim online.

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How do I file a claim if I'm temporarily living in another state?

To file a claim, simply report your claim online.

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If my house is gone, will I lose my homeowners discount on my auto policy? If one or more of my cars are gone and I only have one car left, will I lose my multi-car discount on my auto policy?

The homeowners discount you received when you purchased your policy will remain. You may lose your multi-car discount since this discount is in effect only for the period of time during which there is more than one car on the policy. Call us at the following numbers, 24/7, if you have questions about your policy:

  • Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker:
    1-800-876-5581
  • Customers who purchased policies online or by phone:
    1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737)

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I'm going to be away from home for a long time. Can I change the address on my policy?

Yes. Simply call customer service and let us know where you'd like to have your mail forwarded. When you're able to go home, call us to let us know so that we can update your address. Please have your policy number available when you call one of these numbers, available 24/7:

  • Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker:
    1-800-876-5581
  • Customers who purchased policies online or by phone:
    1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737)

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I have relocated to a new state and do not know if or when I will return home. Do I need a new insurance policy?

If you plan to return or are undecided about returning to your home state, you should keep the policy that was issued in your home state and use your temporary location as the mailing address on the policy. Please call us to temporarily change your mailing address. If you know you will be moving to a new state, you should buy a new policy in that state because your new state may have different coverage requirements. Having a new policy will also make it easier to register your vehicle and to get a driver's license. To report a change of address or to purchase a new policy, call one of these numbers, available 24/7:

  • Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker:
    1-800-876-5581
  • Customers who purchased policies online or by phone:
    1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737)

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I lost my job as a result of the storm and can't make my payment. What do I do?

We want you to continue to be a customer. Please call us to discuss available payment options. Please have your policy number available when you call one of these numbers, available 24/7:

  • Customers who purchased policies from an agent/broker:
    1-800-876-5581
  • Customers who purchased policies online or by phone:
    1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737)

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How do I protect myself against buying a car that may have been flooded?

If you are in the market for a used car, check the car's title history before you buy it to determine if the title has been branded as totaled, salvaged or flood. You also should run a vehicle history report. Several services, including CARFAX, exist and are easy to find online.

Following a major storm, it's likely many flooded cars will be declared total losses. Progressive complies with all state laws addressing how flooded or totaled vehicles and their titles should be handled in each state.

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Please Note: The safety precautions in this section are general recommendations intended to help protect yourself, others and your personal property from a catastrophic event. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about how to best prepare for, keep safe and recover from these events.